The CORTEX integration platform will be presented at SOF Week 2025

 At SOF Week 2025, which takes place in Tampa, Florida, USA, from May 5-7, 2025, the global defense and special operations community will gather to showcase the most advanced technologies shaping the future of modern warfare. 

At the center of this year's event, Galvion is presenting its groundbreaking CORTEX intelligent system integration platform, setting a new standard for tactical headgear. Presented at Booth 349, the CORTEX platform represents a bold step forward in operational integration, combining advanced hardware and intelligent software to equip fighters with real—time data access, enhanced situational awareness, and mission adaptation capabilities - all through a seamlessly integrated head system.

CORTEX Helmet

The United States will supply Ukraine with upgraded GLSDB bombs

 

GLSDB Ground Bombs

According to Western sources, improved versions of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) are among the weapons that will be sent to Ukraine after the United States resumed military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kiev. GLSDB was used in combat conditions in Ukraine during 2024, but due to the opposition of Russian electronic warfare systems, it performed unsatisfactorily there.

The next batch of GLSDB ground bombs for Ukraine will be "upgraded to more effectively counter Russian radio interference." The issue of providing GLSDB to Ukraine was back on the agenda after President Donald Trump's administration agreed on March 11, 2025, to resume arms supplies after Kiev stated that it was ready to support the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.

GLSDB is especially necessary to fill the shortage of ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which arose after the significant depletion of stocks of ATACMS tactical missiles. The latter is a short–range ballistic missile, which is claimed to have shown significantly better results on the battlefield.

Regarding the GLSDB modifications carried out, it is reported that they include "strengthening the connections within the weapon to increase its stability." Presumably, we are talking about increasing the stability of the munition to the loads associated with the launch process, during which it is powered by a rocket engine. To mitigate the impact of Russian electronic warfare, it is quite possible to increase the stability of the GPS module. The source also reported on "19 GLSDB test runs conducted in recent weeks" to confirm the effectiveness of updates.

Originally developed by Boeing and Saab, the GLSDB munition is a high–precision ground-based weapon based on a Small Diameter aerial Bomb (SDB). Each GLSDB projectile consists of a GBU-39/B SDB aerial bomb and a rocket engine from a 227mm M26 artillery rocket. The M26 missile is one of the types of missiles that can be launched from the M270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) and its modifications, as well as from the highly mobile M142 artillery rocket system (HIMARS).

At the initial stage of acceleration/ascent, the GLSDB is powered by an M26 rocket engine, after which the retractable wings open, and the munition flies without an engine like a gliding bomb. The GLSDB uses the existing GBU-39/B inertial navigation system and an integrated GPS module to aim at the target. The GLSDB firing range is about 153 km, which makes it particularly relevant for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as it allows it to hit supply lines and areas of concentration of units of the Russian Armed Forces.

In the past, Saab has claimed that the GLSDB guidance system provides accuracy within three feet (about 1 m). Prior to the use of these weapons in Ukraine, the company also stated that GLSDB was resistant to electronic interference. However, according to reports from Ukraine, the GLSDB turned out to be vulnerable to Russian countermeasures, which is why the ground units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine abandoned these weapons.

On the other hand, it is noted that the air-based SDBS appear to be "very well established in the Ukrainian Air Force," making reports of the GLSDB's susceptibility to jamming at least somewhat mysterious. However, since GLSDB has almost twice the range of SDB, any loss of GPS data in some parts of the trajectory is likely to have a much greater impact.

Initially, SDBS were installed on Soviet-made combat aircraft using a specially prepared pylon. Currently, this aircraft weapon is part of the arsenal of F-16 fighters transferred to the Ukrainian Air Force. Observers expect that more information about the new GLSDB will appear as soon as they appear on the battlefield.              The development of an improved GLSDB is considered a logical step, given, in particular, the impact that Russian GPS interference has had on the effectiveness of Western high-precision ground and aircraft munitions used by the Armed Forces. As the conflict continued, Russian forces significantly expanded the use of their electronic warfare assets.

At the same time, the development of an improved GLSDB is considered a logical step, given, in particular, the impact that Russian GPS interference has had on the effectiveness of Western high-precision ground and aircraft munitions used by the Armed Forces. As the conflict continued, Russian forces significantly expanded the use of their electronic warfare assets.

Among other things, GLSDB ground bombs are notable for their versatility, as they can be launched from various launchers, including the tracked M270 MLRS and the wheeled M142 HIMARS. Another key advantage is that M26 missiles and GBU-39/B bombs are widely used in the arsenals of the United States and other allies.

China's "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb": some details

 

The main secret of this new type of ammunition lies in a material called magnesium hydride. When it encounters high temperature or a catalyst, it quickly decomposes into magnesium and hydrogen. The hydrogen then burns violently with the surrounding oxygen, instantly releasing a large amount of heat and forming a large fireball.

Usually, magnesium hydride is a solid that is safe to transport and store. The decomposition process can also be precisely controlled. The energy per unit mass is higher than that of standard TNT. During the experiment, a "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" weighing only 2 kg detonated, instantly creating a fireball with a temperature of more than 1000 degrees. Celsius. Gorenje ball's burning time was more than two seconds.

For comparison, the temperature of the TNT explosion of the same mass is not so high, and the duration of the fireball is even shorter, only 1/16 of the previous one. However, the "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" also has weaknesses. The maximum pressure created by its explosion is less than half the pressure of TNT.

The difference between these two explosives determines their "specialization." Conventional TNT-based munitions form a super-strong shockwave of instant explosion, but their ability to withstand high temperatures is weak. The shock wave of a "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" is not strong, but it maintains a high temperature for a long time, created by the combustion of hydrogen and suitable for hitting various "heat-intolerant" military targets.

In general, although the "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" cannot replace traditional ammunition, it will definitely find its place on the battlefield of the future. Its appearance vividly demonstrates China's capabilities in the research and development of new ammunition.

New Zealand to supply Ukraine with SA200 drones

 The New Zealand company Syos Aerospace has signed a contract with the British government for the supply of unmanned systems for the armed forces of Ukraine in the amount of about 30 million pounds (approximately 40 million US dollars).

The SA200's rotor head design bears a strong resemblance to Composite-FX's XE-290 Mosquito piston helicopter, which has already been converted into an unmanned aerial vehicle. However, in the SA200, the standard tail rotor has been replaced by two electric motors.

The technical details of the supplied drones have not been officially disclosed, but the main product of Syos is the SA200 multifunctional unmanned helicopter. This device is capable of carrying a payload of up to 200 kg and covering a distance of up to 230 km, with a flight time of about two hours. 

When equipped with an additional fuel tank, the SA200 can perform reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions with a payload of 35 kg at a range of up to 925 km, with a flight duration of over 8 hours. The helicopter is specially designed for combat conditions and is equipped with additional internal systems, protection against loss of communication and encryption of transmitted data.

SA200

PROFESSOR JEFFREY SACHS' VIEW ON THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE, THE OUTCOME OF THE WAR AND PEACE NEGOTIATIONS, ISRAEL AND EUROPE

 

 In a recent episode of the Judging Freedom program, Judge Andrew Napolitano had a conversation with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, who joined the broadcast from Moscow. The discussion touched upon complex geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, as well as the potential role of Donald Trump in peacekeeping efforts.Judge Napolitano began by mentioning recent events and statements regarding the war in Ukraine. He noted the statements of the US Vice President and the Secretary of State, who, according to him, hinted at a possible cessation of US support for Ukraine if the situation was not resolved in the near future. The idea of General Kellogg, Trump's adviser on Ukraine, dividing the country into protectorates under the auspices of NATO was also mentioned, a proposal that Napolitano called "absurd" and "unviable from the very beginning." Special attention was paid to the recent short conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky, which took place in an unusual place – St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican, without the presence of others. Napolitano expressed doubt that both leaders would remember this meeting in the same way. In this context, he asked Professor Sachs a key question: where, in his opinion, are American efforts to achieve peace moving?

Professor Sachs outlined his analysis, highlighting two main points. Firstly, according to him, Ukraine is losing on the battlefield, and this trend is irreversible in the coming months and years. Secondly, he expressed confidence that the United States, under Trump's leadership (if elected), would not actively return to the war by providing Ukraine with large-scale financing and military supplies. Sachs believes that this puts Ukraine in front of a tough choice: either agree to a settlement that does not meet its maximum requirements, but reflects the realities, or face further territorial losses on the battlefield. In his opinion, this is a fundamental choice that the current US administration cannot change.Sachs also touched upon the position of European leaders. He noted that many of them, including potential future leaders such as Keir Starmer in Britain, Emmanuel Macron in France, and possibly Friedrich Merz in Germany, are calling on Ukraine to continue fighting and not cede territory. However, according to Sachs, Europe does not have the real means to effectively support such a strategy, especially without the active participation of the United States. Even the joint efforts of Europe and the United States have not led to a significant pushback of the Russian forces. Now, without the prospect of large-scale American support under Trump, Europe will not be able to ensure Ukraine's victory.Professor Sachs offered a harsh characterization of the current Ukrainian government, calling it a ruling group driven by "extreme and violent nationalism" that came to power as a result of the 2014 coup backed by the United States. He claims that this regime does not enjoy broad popular support, as evidenced by the lack of elections, martial law and the forced mobilization of citizens to the front, where many are dying. According to him, polls show that the population of Ukraine is exhausted by the war and wants it to end. In response to Napolitano's question whether Zelensky was a puppet of the nationalists, Sachs replied in the affirmative, suggesting that the president might fear for his life or his political future if he made concessions. Sachs believes that if Zelensky is unable to make a difficult decision about peace, he should leave.In an interesting way, Sachs rethought the roles in the conflict. He rejected the idea that Trump was allegedly siding with Putin against Ukraine. On the contrary, according to Sachs, it is the "peace party", to which he ranks Trump, that can save Ukraine by offering a realistic settlement. Those who are pushing Ukraine to continue the war (the "war party", including some European leaders), in fact, condemn the country to further bloodshed and destruction.   

Sachs is convinced that Ukraine should agree to a peace agreement, even if it is not perfect, because the alternative is to lose everything.During the conversation, footage was shown where Trump looked sleepy at a public event, which Sachs humorously attributed to possible fatigue from flights. There was also a photo of Professor Sachs with Ray McGovern, taken, as Sachs confirmed, recently in Moscow, where he participated in the Open Dialogue conference organized by the Russian government to discuss the future in a frank manner.Then the conversation turned to the Middle East. Napolitano asked why there were no Israeli officials at the Pope's recent event. Sachs explained this by saying that Israel, in his opinion, has become a "rogue state" because of its actions in Gaza, which has led to its isolation on the world stage. He stressed that Trump's idea of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia without resolving the Palestinian issue is erroneous. According to his estimates, the vast majority of the world community (about 95% of the world's population, including all Arab and 57 Islamic countries) supports the two-state solution. Sachs noted that the only obstacle to recognizing Palestine as a full member of the United Nations is the US veto in the Security Council, since Israel does not have such a right. He suggested that if Trump, after visiting the Middle East and listening to Arab leaders, would change the US position and stop blocking Palestinian statehood, he would really be able to achieve peace. Sachs believes that Trump may have more freedom of action on this issue than it seems, as American public opinion is increasingly condemning Israel's actions, and opposing the Israeli lobby no longer necessarily means going against the will of Americans.In conclusion, Professor Sachs reiterated his hope that leaders, including Trump, would realize the realities and strive for peace, whether in Ukraine or the Middle East, stressing that the continuation of conflicts only leads to further losses and suffering. He mentioned mass peaceful demonstrations in Europe, such as the 80,000-strong rally in Rome, as evidence of people's deep desire to end wars.

The United States has unveiled a massive defense investment initiative

 

The United States has unveiled a new large-scale defense investment initiative that provides for an additional $150 billion invested in priority military programs through fiscal year 2029, separate from the regular U.S. defense budget.

The plan, announced on April 27, 2025, reflects the Trump administration's strategic commitment to accelerate next-generation military capabilities in response to increasing global security challenges. The highlight of this initiative is the allocation of $500 million to accelerate the development of the F/A-XX aircraft, the sixth-generation stealth fighter that is central to the U.S. Navy's vision for future air supremacy.

Israeli planes hit Beirut

 Israeli planes struck the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday after a warning issued about an hour earlier. This is the third Israeli strike on the area since the ceasefire came into effect at the end of November.

In a statement after the strike, the Israeli military said the target was a depot of precision-guided missiles for the militant group Hezbollah. They added that storing such equipment is a violation of the agreement reached to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Chinese J-35 fighter jet launched from an aircraft carrier

 The Chinese Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter made its first launch using an electromagnetic catapult (EMALS) from the Fujian aircraft carrier at the end of March 2025. 

If this is later officially confirmed by the Chinese authorities, this event could be a turning point in China's naval aviation capabilities by significantly expanding the operational reach of the People's Liberation Army (PLAN) Naval Forces. This event followed months of J-35 observations at ground-based aircraft carrier simulation facilities and static exposure aboard Fujian, which represents an important step towards the full operational integration of stealth aircraft into China's carrier strike groups.

 J-35

John Mearsheimer on the conflict in Ukraine: diplomacy won't help

 

John J. Mearsheimer

John J. Mearsheimer, a well-known international relations theorist and professor of political science at the University of Chicago, views the current conflict in Ukraine with harsh realism, devoid of illusions about an early diplomatic resolution. His analysis, often available on his Substack platform ( substack.com/@mearsheimer ), paints a picture of a protracted confrontation, the outcome of which, in his opinion, will be decided not at the negotiating table, but on the battlefield. Mearsheimer argues that a diplomatic solution is currently unattainable. He stresses Russia's intransigence on its key demands, a position from which, in his assessment, Moscow will not back down. On the other hand, neither Ukraine nor its European allies are ready to accept these conditions. This fundamental impasse, according to Mearsheimer, makes negotiations futile at this stage.

In this context, the figure of Donald Trump seems to Mearsheimer to be a potential, albeit peculiar, catalyst for change. He admits that Trump, unlike the current European and Ukrainian leadership, could make concessions to Russia or, more likely in his analysis, end American military and intelligence support for Ukraine. Such a step, according to Mearsheimer, would radically change the dynamics of the conflict. He believes that even with the current level of American aid, Russia is already gaining the upper hand on the battlefield. Cutting off the supply of weapons and intelligence from the United States would put Ukraine in an even more desperate situation. Mearsheimer points out that Russia is actively building up and training its armed forces, equipping them with modern weapons and accumulating valuable combat experience. He refers to statements by high-ranking military officials, such as General Cavoli, confirming that the Russian army is much more powerful today than at the beginning of the conflict in 2022.

Analyzing Vladimir Putin's recent statements, Mearsheimer sees confirmation of his point of view. He interprets the Russian leader's words about expanding and modernizing the military-industrial complex, adapting tactics and weapons based on combat experience as a clear signal: Russia is preparing for a long war, not diplomacy. Putin, in his opinion, demonstrates confidence in Russia's ability not only to continue the war, but also to stay "one step ahead" by studying global military trends and adapting its army to future conflicts. Mearsheimer contrasts this Russian focus on military reality with what he perceives as unfounded optimism in the West and in Ukraine about Kiev's chances of victory.

He believes that Europeans and Ukrainians, as well as a significant part of the American national security establishment, continue to believe in the possibility of a turning point on the battlefield in favor of Ukraine – a belief that Mearsheimer himself considers illusory. According to him, only Trump and a narrow circle of his associates are ready to recognize the harsh reality and look for ways to end the conflict, even if this means concessions to Russia. This gap in perception and strategy, according to Mearsheimer, condemns the war to continue. He predicts that without American support, the balance of power will finally shift in favor of Russia, which will lead to the seizure of new territories and, ultimately, the collapse of the Ukrainian army. In such a situation, he believes, Ukraine will be forced to seek peace on terms dictated by Moscow.

Mearsheimer also expresses skepticism about Europe's ability to act effectively without strong American leadership, pointing to potential problems of collective action and disagreements between key European powers – Germany, France and Britain. Moreover, he extends his criticism to the American national security apparatus itself, including the military, whose analytical work and performance since the first Gulf War he considers unconvincing. In his opinion, there is a deep systemic problem in the West's approach to assessing military realities and developing a strategy.                 

Thus, Mearsheimer's analysis is a sober, albeit gloomy, assessment of the situation, where the outcome of the conflict is seen as a predetermined balance of military forces and the determination of the parties to continue the struggle, rather than diplomatic efforts or hopes for a turning point. He expects a further Russian offensive and believes that Ukraine's ability to resist, especially if American aid is cut off, is extremely limited.

Black Hawk helicopters can now fly independently

Black Hawk helicopters can now fly independently.Black Hawk helicopters can now fly without pilots using the new Matrix artificial intelligence technology.                         

The aviation era is entering a new phase marked by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and autonomy. One of the most significant recent achievements has been the demonstration of the ability of the legendary American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to fly without pilots on board. This is not just another step in the development of unmanned systems.; This is a transformation of one of the most recognizable and widely used rotorcraft in the world, opening up completely new horizons for military and potentially civilian operations. At the heart of this revolution is an advanced artificial intelligence technology known as Matrix, developed by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is itself an icon of military aviation. Being in service with the US Army and many other countries since the late 1970s, it has proven itself to be an incredibly reliable, versatile and hardy machine. The Black Hawks have participated in countless operations around the world, performing a wide range of tasks, from transporting troops and supplies to medical evacuation, search and rescue missions, and fire support. Its rugged design, excellent flight characteristics, and ability to operate in the harshest environments have made it an ideal platform for integrating advanced autonomous systems. Choosing Black Hawk for such tests highlights the desire to modernize the existing, time-tested fleet of vehicles, rather than create completely new platforms from scratch, which significantly accelerates and reduces the cost of innovation.A number of factors are driving the development of autonomous capabilities for helicopters like the Black Hawk. First of all, it is the desire to improve flight safety and reduce risks for the crews. Flying in difficult weather conditions, at night, in conditions of poor visibility (dust, smoke, fog) or in active combat zones is fraught with great danger for pilots. An autonomous system capable of taking over control or even completely completing a mission without a human on board can dramatically change the situation, allowing you to perform tasks that were previously considered too risky. In addition, automation reduces the burden on pilots during long or routine flights, allowing them to focus on more important aspects of the mission, such as tactical planning or weapon system management. This also opens up the possibility of reducing the number of crew, which can be crucial in the face of a shortage of qualified pilots.Sikorsky's Matrix technology is not just an advanced autopilot, but a full-fledged artificial intelligence system designed for flight control. It integrates a set of hardware and software tools. The hardware includes a variety of sensors (lidars, visible and infrared cameras, radars, inertial navigation systems, GPS) and powerful on-board computers. The software is complex algorithms that process data from sensors in real time, create a detailed three–dimensional picture of the environment, plot a safe flight route, taking into account the terrain, obstacles and dynamically changing conditions, and generate commands for helicopter control systems. Matrix is designed as an "Optionally Piloted Vehicle" (OPV) system. This means that the helicopter can fly both under pilot control and completely autonomously, or in a mixed mode when the AI helps the crew. Pilots can take control at any time or transfer it to the system. This flexibility is a key advantage, allowing you to adapt the automation level to your specific mission and conditions.              

The development and testing of autonomous Black Hawks has been underway for several years, often in collaboration with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), in particular, under the ALIAS (Aircrew Laboratory In-System Automation System) program.                     

ALIAS's goal was to create a universal automation suite that could be relatively easily integrated into various existing aircraft, both airplanes and helicopters, to reduce crew workload and improve safety. Sikorsky used a specially modified S-70 helicopter (the civilian version of the Black Hawk), known as the SARA (Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft), as a flying laboratory for testing Matrix algorithms. These efforts culminated in historic flights, when the UH-60 Black Hawk, equipped with the Matrix system, took to the air for the first time and performed a series of maneuvers without a single person on board. These demonstration flights included autonomous takeoff, flight along a preset route, flying around simulated obstacles, selecting and landing at an unplanned point, as well as autonomous landing. The capabilities of performing typical missions, such as cargo delivery on an external sling and even flight simulation in a degraded visual environment where human vision would be severely limited, were demonstrated. The system has shown the ability to analyze the surrounding space, identify safe landing zones and perform complex maneuvers with high accuracy comparable to the actions of an experienced pilot.The operating principle of Matrix is based on merging data from multiple sensors. Lidars create an accurate map of terrain and obstacles, cameras provide visual recognition of objects, radars help in conditions of poor visibility, and inertial and satellite systems are responsible for navigation. Artificial intelligence analyzes all this information, predicts possible developments (for example, the appearance of other aircraft) and makes control decisions – changes course, altitude, speed, controls the pitch of the propellers. The system is capable of not only following a set flight plan, but also dynamically responding to unforeseen circumstances, such as a sudden obstacle or a change in weather conditions, independently choosing the safest and most effective way to continue the mission.

The introduction of such technologies opens up completely new tactical opportunities for the military. Autonomous Black Hawks can be used to supply advanced units in dangerous areas without risking the crews. They can carry out reconnaissance missions or electronic warfare missions deep behind enemy lines. Potentially, such helicopters can be used for medical evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield, where sending a manned vehicle would be suicidal. The ability to work around the clock without restrictions related to pilot fatigue significantly increases operational readiness. In the future, one operator on the ground will be able to control several autonomous helicopters acting as a single "swarm" to perform complex coordinated tasks. This may lead to fundamental changes in the structure of army aviation and tactics of its use.Despite impressive successes, the path to widespread adoption of fully autonomous helicopters has not yet been completed. There are a number of difficult tasks to be solved. It is necessary to develop and approve strict certification procedures for such systems, ensuring their reliability and safety at a level not inferior to manned aviation. Cybersecurity is a critical issue – protecting management systems from hacking or hostile interference. Further improvement of AI algorithms is required, especially in terms of decision-making in non-standard, unforeseen situations that are difficult to model in advance. The psychological aspect is equally important – the formation of trust in autonomous systems among both the military themselves and society as a whole. It is necessary to define the ethical framework for the use of such technologies, especially if we are talking about armed options. The integration of autonomous vehicles into the existing air traffic control system and interaction with manned vehicles will also require new protocols and standards.                

Nevertheless, the first successful Black Hawk flights without pilots clearly show the direction of development of military (and possibly civilian) helicopter aviation. Matrix technology and similar systems promise to make flying safer, more efficient, and more accessible for the most demanding and dangerous tasks, marking a new era in the history of rotorcraft. Combining the time-tested Black Hawk platform with advanced artificial intelligence creates a synergy that will shape the future of vertical takeoff and landing for decades to come.

China unveils sixth-generation fighter jet J-36

J-36

 China has shown off its sixth-generation fighter jet, the J-36, in detail.

China has unveiled its new sixth-generation fighter model, the J-36, which is significantly larger and heavier than existing fifth-generation aircraft.

Possible tasks:

1. It can act as a leader for an entire combat system, which will include various unmanned vehicles, while its participation in aerial combat is "unlikely."

2. Long-range strikes (missile attacks) by enemy aircraft not only in the air, but also on the ground, as well as those stationed on aircraft carriers.

3. The center of a large combat system, which, in addition to drones, will include manned fighters such as J-20 and J-35A, AWACS aircraft and tanker aircraft.

4. A prototype for the creation of a naval version of the stealth fighter.

Length: about 23 m

Weight: from 45 to 54 tons. 

For comparison, the weight of the J-20 varies from 34 to 37 tons, and the weight of the Russian Su-57 with full ammunition is 37 tons. 

Experts believe that the demonstration of a promising aircraft that is already performing test flights is a political gesture to the United States and its allies in Southeast Asia.

South Korea launches new military spy satellite

 

South Korea's defense ministry said Seoul has launched a new military spy satellite from the U.S. space base at Cape Canaveral in Florida using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

The satellite is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that works by sending microwave signals to Earth, which are then reflected back, creating a detailed radar image, although it looks different from the satellite images we are used to seeing.

Unlike satellites that use optical cameras, SAR satellites do not need a light source such as the sun, so they can operate at night. They are immune to weather conditions that can obscure optical satellite images.

The Russian robot "Stalker" is clearing its mine zone

 

The Russian robot "Stalker" has begun work on mine clearance in the area of its territory.

The military personnel of the International Mine Action Center of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation conducted tests of the latest robotic complex "Stalker" in the area of the SVO. A 27-ton Stalker sapper robot has begun testing near Avdiivka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in Russia.

This complex is designed to clear the area of explosive objects, for humanitarian demining, and is designed to work in all types of fields. As of May 2024, there are no similar models of cars in Russia, unfortunately, there are only imported cars. The Stalker robot differs from its foreign counterparts in its cost and the fact that it is manufactured in Russia. This sample is an experimental one that has arrived for testing. The weight of the machine is 27 tons with a working body – this is a rotating boom trawl.

Other novelties of mine clearance equipment, such as the Scorpion remote-

controlled robotic mine clearance system, the Patrol-IV special vehicle, and the BZK special ballistic protective suit used to protect military personnel from fragments of mines and shells, are also being tested by military personnel in combat conditions in May 2024.

Characteristics of the robot:

The developers have equipped the Stalker with a hydrostatic transmission and a 540 horsepower engine. The operator controls the mine clearance machine using a remote control at a distance of up to 1 km. There is also a command post where the image from the four cameras on the robot is displayed. The maximum speed is up to 10 km/ h, and when trawling - from 1 to 5 km / h. The car has a bike trawl, which allows you to make a continuous passage through minefields containing anti-personnel and anti-tank mines installed in the ground to a depth of 30 cm.

Mine clearance of the area

The work of engineering units in the SVR is complicated by the constant danger of the enemy using reconnaissance and attack drones. To protect against them, mobile UAV counteraction groups from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation armed with special anti-drone and smoothbore rifles are on permanent duty. By 2024, mine clearance is a painstaking and challenging task, as detection, cost, and human risk pose major challenges to creating mine-free safe zones. Autonomous robots should be used where the environment is boring, dirty or dangerous for humans and humanitarian demining meets all three criteria. Thanks to the use of a swarm of vehicles such as the Stalker, supported by a small core team of highly qualified personnel, mine clearance operations can begin almost immediately after arrival. Unlike human sappers, this autonomous system can operate continuously and regardless of the weather, which speeds up the process.

Traditionally, sappers use manual mine clearance techniques, often using a metal detector, stick, or brush, to detect a buried mine, physically remove it manually, and detach the firing mechanism to defuse it. Every year, more than 100 sappers are killed or injured as a result of accidental detonation during mine clearance, and many of them are the main breadwinners of the family, which can have devastating consequences for families in Russia.

The use of autonomous technologies in the free zone in 2024 to solve this problem can not only ensure increased security of areas in the DPR affected by landmines, but also speed up the laborious process of detecting them and save the lives of those people who search and clear fields.

Solar-Powered Phasa-35 UAS Promises Months of Uninterrupted Flight for Military Missions

Phasa-35 High Altitude Pseudo Satellite

 The Block 20 Phasa-35 High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The one-of-a-kind system, currently located in the southeast of England, is heading across the Atlantic for the next round of Pentagon-backed tests, and its developers say it could be the key to unlocking a new way for the military to carry out surveillance missions. It got its name because of the wingspan of 35 meters, which is comparable to the wingspan of a Boeing 737 airliner, while its weight is only 150 kilograms, which is about the same as the weight of a motorcycle. The aircraft is covered with solar panels designed to charge during important daytime hours to keep flying on winter nights when the Phasa-35 spends most of its time in the dark. According to the developers, the batteries are twice as powerful as an electric car battery of the same size and can currently last six to nine months before they wear out.